Mapping New Jersey’s Most Iconic Diners & A Diner Collectible

The map below is interactive and filtered to showcase New Jersey’s Diner community! Then, we’ll discuss how the keepsake came to be.

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Bookmark this map on your phone. Also, note we have burgers, pizza, bakeries, hot dogs, and YES, DINERS!

Being a Jersey guy who can’t forget the classic New Jersey diner. I’m not talking about IHOP or Denny’s, but a REAL New Jersey diner. This story is a calling to our internet friends to identify the ultimate New Jersey Classic Diner for a New Jersey Historic Village wooden keepsake diner. After all, we are the Diner Capital of the Universe.

After two months and 600 votes, we have our keepsake. Congratulations to the Broad Street Diner in Keyport, New Jersey for representing the village with the first Jersey Diner wooden keepsake collectible.
Get yours today. Order yours now or get one to gift to a Jersey diner fan – VERY LIMITED collectible exclusively online.

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The Diner that Represents New Jersey

The Broad Street Diner

This authentic circa 1953 O’Mahony diner is just a few blocks from Raritan Bay. Known previously as Stanley’s Seaport Diner, you won’t have to wonder much about its 1950s origins as you will be reminded at every turn that this place has been around since Elvis and Marilyn. The O’Mahony stainless steel tag is attached to the inside of the vestibule door. Broad Street is one of a handful of classic O’Mahony diners still operating in the Garden State.

Nick and Maria Kallas have owned the Jersey Diner since 2015. The two grew up alongside Greek diner families, and their experience is reflected in the daily specials and hearty portions. As they say in the diner business, “Food is only half the meal.” The savory atmosphere is the other half—and equally important. If possible, when visiting a Jersey diner, sit at the counter. That’s where you’ll meet, greet, and mingle with the staff and customers. 

The Broad Street Diner is further proof that, without question, New Jersey is and always will be the diner capital of the universe.

Jersey Bites

It’s funny how you walk in thinking you know what you want, and then you get that six-page menu. Then it becomes a battle of the mind, saying, “Breakfast or something else scenario.” You know exactly what I mean.

Then, it starts coffee with anything, including water, and the usual default to the cheeseburger deluxe platter. I just figure that I’m a burger guy and always love it when that stuffed oval plate shows up in less than 5 minutes. I can never explain the sheer speed of it all. It’s just one more reason I’m fascinated by the Jersey Diner.

And who can’t help being a foodie? They have this weird twitch where they always want to take a picture of what they’re eating. Honestly, it always looks like a piece of art to us.

We Leave you with another Jersey Diner legend – Rosie!

The Mr. Local History Project, a Jersey-based non-profit, will work with several Facebook Groups to capture Jersey Diner names and locations. You can also nominate in the comments section below. From over 100 entries, we picked the Top 12. The winner will then be recommended to the New Jersey Historic Village Collection to be made into a keepsake. YOU CAN VOTE FOR UP TO THREE (3).

Related Mr. Local History Jersey Foodie Stories

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• Book: Stories from New Jersey Diners
• Book: History of Diners in New Jersey by Michael Gabriele